Soda Blonde lead celebrations for Brigit festival
THE third ever Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women festival will begin next week, running from Thursday February 1 to Monday February 5 across Dublin. Brigit: Dublin Celebrating Women, aims to honour the Celtic goddess Brigit (or our beloved saint), who embodies inspiration, healing, magic, smithcraft, wisdom, poetry, protection, fire and earth.
It’s marking the first day of spring too so brand new for this year will be a parade weaving through the heart of Dublin City on St. Brigit’s Day, Bank Holiday Monday February 5 from 4pm. Kicking off at Wolfe Tone Square, an eclectic mix of walkers, roller skaters from 50 First Skates, Brigits by Bike, performers like Bishop Brigid and more will stroll through the heart of Dublin in a joyful tribute to inspiring women.
There will also be a Brigit Rising Concert on the same evening, showcasing such talents as Dublin born singer and composer Rachael Lavelle, Dublin alt-pop band Soda Blonde, poet Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha and many more at the Abbey Presbyterian Church.
On Sunday February 4 at Meeting House Square you can visit the Imbolc Fair. Discover demonstrations of traditional crafts like Blacksmithing at the 9 Irons Mobile Forge or Lace Making with Fiona Harrington; try your hand at making your own masterpiece with Screen Printing by Damn Fine Print, Flower Crown making with Flowerpop, and Calligraphy with artists from Peannairí, the Association of Irish Calligraphers. For unique, one-on-one experiences, pay a visit to Osaro the Poetry Oracle or learn how to perfect your makeup techniques with Michelle’s Makeup Chair.
Families can join artist Ashleigh Downey at the National Gallery of Ireland to create an art-inspired version of Brigid’s cloak, or visit the Richmond Barracks St. Brigid’s Day Fair in Inchicore for family-friendly workshops, entertainment, and opportunities to support womenowned businesses. Throughout the long weekend, discover a world of music, workshops, talks, and high-profile speakers at the Féile Bríde Festival in Clondalkin, or visit the Fumbally for performances from The Wild Geeze and more. For more art and music, attend the opening of the Endlessnessness exhibition at The LAB Gallery featuring Cecilia Bullo, Ella Bertilsson & Hannah Ní Mhaonaigh, stop by IMMA for the Ireland, Feminism, Art GATHERING exhibition, visit The Liberties Weavers, or enjoy an intimate concert by Berlin-based singersongwriter Tara Nome Doyle as part of St Brigid’s Day celebrations at Goethe-Institut Irland.
Get out and stretch your legs with Women Walk the City, a series of guided walking tours offering a new perspective on Dublin and its inhabitants. Join Dr Karen Ward for the Brigid’s Way Celtic Pilgrimage route, or experience Glasnevin Cemetery with a special tour featuring the women buried who have played pivotal roles in Irish history. For full information see dublin.ie/brigit